KIDDERMINSTER Harr-iers expect to be inundated with applications for their managerial vacancy - despite setting sacked Stuart Watkiss's successor the daunting challenge of making the promotion play-offs.

Watkiss cleared his desk yesterday morning, 53 weeks after taking over at Aggborough, with the board of directors citing the poor results this season and last for the 39-year-old's dismissal.

But with the axe coming after Harriers' encouraging 3-1 win over Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday and with the club through to the last 16 of the LDV Vans Trophy, a row between the boardroom and the dug-out is thought to have contributed to the decision.

The fall-out was such that Norgrove and fellow directors Wayne Allen, Neil Savery, John Baldwin and Gordon Howard had lost faith in Watkiss's ability to deliver their fading dream of a top five finish.

Norgrove insisted Watkiss's criticism of the board was not a factor in his sacking - but the chairman's decision to ban future manager's discussing budgets publicly suggests otherwise. Watkiss made several digs about the financial restrictions.

"I don't think that was a reason. He's blamed us for bits and pieces but we haven't really taken it to heart," said Norgrove.

"One or two things he's said in the press he didn't really need to say. But he gets carried away, like all managers he will get worked up and say things he regrets."

Watkiss was hindered by the turbulent summer take-over, admitted Norgrove.

He said: "It hampered all of us to be honest. We didn't manage to get charge until so many weeks before the start of the season which was difficult for everybody, let alone the manager.

"It was down to results. You expect to win a lot more games than we've won, especially when you come down from a higher class of football.

"He obviously must have been worried because he asked for a fans' forum last week so he must have been bothered that people were talking about him."

Despite talk of financial problems behind the scenes, Norgrove insists the Harriers job is still an attractive proposition to out-of-work managers.

"We've got a lovely stadium and although I might be biased I think it is the best in this division," said Norgrove.

"It's an attractive job and it's got everything here that some clubs, even in the Second Division, haven't got."

Asked if he still had his sights on a play-off place, Norgrove admitted: "Yes, that's what we want. We're only nine points behind and that's three games.

"Whoever comes in needs to freshen things up and then if he starts winning a few games, why not? The main thing is to stay up but if we can get to the play-offs that would be excellent," he added.